Drilling mechanism



Dec. 28. 1926.

J. R. WILSON ET AI.

DRILLI NG MECHANISM Filed Oct. 5 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 fig zjwvemtoms Joseph 1!. W250]? Laswell (ZMafZoc/l, lieni $.Befry;

MO LHQ Dec. 28, 1926.

.1. R. WILSON ET AL.

DRILLING MECHANI SM Filed Oct. 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 28, 1926. 1,612,338

' J. R. WILSON ET AL DRILLING MECHANISM Filed Oct. 5, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 3 401.5 l ESP/0:6 K Mg, 1171/ [2510?]! afl/af/ac/L fim' .5. Berry.

AW WW Dec. 28 I 1926.

' J. R. WILSON ET AL.

DRILLING MECHANISM 4 SheetsSheet 4 Filed Oct. 5. m2:

g 7 "I 29 gwwmlou E Z Jbsepil 15'. Wilson Eh (have/z [211141100 5 555$ I .7 .2701 5. Berry,- g I I arm/ Patented Dec. 28, 1926. T

UNITED STATES lrosnrn n. WILSON, cAswELn c.

MATIiOCK, AND RENI S. BERRY, OF LOS ANGELES,

CALIFORNIA.

DRILLING MECHANISM.

Application ,filed October 3, 1923. Serial No. 668,295.

This invention particularly pertains to a mechanism for drilling holes in the earth, as

, in for-oil, gas, or water, forming bore holes measuring two or three feet across and of in search of minerals or to ascertain the nature of underlying strata, in driving shafts in mining operations, etc.

An object of this inventlon is to provide a drilling mechanism which is especially adapted for forming holes of large diameter to great depth, such for example as holes several thousand. feet in length. 7

' Another object is to provide a drilling mechanism which is so constructed and operated as to insure the formation of a straight bore toa great depth, eflect. rapid penetration, and afford economy in time, labor and expense by facilitating the with drawal of the cutting tools from the bore and their replacement therein when it becomes necessary so to do, as for sharpening andrepairing the tool.

Another object is to provide a drilling mechanism in, which cutting tools may be "actuated by/ fluid pressure, such as compressed air and to provide a means whereby the fluidp ressuremay be delivered to and exhausted from the tool-actuating mechanism in such manner that the tools may be operated when disposed at the bottom of a deep bore and submerged in liquid under pressure. I

Another object is to provide a drilling mechanism of the above character which possesses the following parts and features,

to-w1t:

First-A tubular revoluble stem adapted to be lowered into a well and through which liquid may be passed;

Second-A removable head adapted to be raised and lowered-relative to the stem and to be detachably interconnected with the stem when disposed at the lower end portion thereof so as, to be supported on the stem and be revoluble therewith.

ThirdFluid pressure operated tools carried bythe head adapted to be moved in and out of an operative position as the head is movedinto and away from its interconnection with the stem; so that the head may be freely raised and lowered in a well casing or bore withthe tools disposed clear of the walls thereof and whereby the tools will be extended when the head is engaged wlth the stem so as to; projectacross the peripheral plane of the head to cut a bore of a diameter larger than that of the head;

FourthMeans whereby fluid pressure may be delivered to and exhausted from the tool operating mechanism when the head and stem are interconnected, the fluid for operating the tools passing through separate conduits located in the stem whereby the tools maybe actuated in wells containing liquid under high pressure thereby enabling drilling wells of great depth by compressed air operated cutting tools; an embodying a construction whereby'the head may be withdrawn from the bore and replaced therein without necessitating withdrawing and replacing the fluid pressure conduits.

Fifth-Valve co'ntrolled means-for con-- trolling communication between the fluid pressure supply and exhaust conduits in the stem, and the tool operating mechanism on the'head when the head and stem are interconnected, adapted to close the communication when the head is out of interconnection with the stem so as to prevent liquid in the well from entering the fluid pressure chambers in the head and stem when the head is being raised or lowered relative to the stem; and

Sixth-Means for maintaining the fluid pressure actuated parts thoroughly lubricated during their operation while submerged. A further object is to provide a construction whereby the parts may be readily assembled or disassociated.

With the foregoing objects in'view together with such other objects and advantages as may subsequently appear, the invention resides in the parts, and in'the construction, combination and arrangement of parts or their equivalents, hereinafter described and claimed and illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a. view of the drilling mechanism as seen inside elevation showing the tool carrying head and the stem as interconnected and the parts disposed 1n their drilling position.

Fig. 2 is a view in transverse section as seen on the line 2-2' of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rspective view of the lower end portion 0 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cutting tool.

Fig. 5 is a view-in elevation, partly in the stem with parts broken transverse section, of the head as detached. from the stem.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section and planview as seen on the line 6-6 oi Fig. 2.

line 7-7 of Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a view line 88 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a view in extended transverse section as seen on the line 9-9 of Fig. 6,

parts being shown in elevation.

in section as seen on the Fig. 10 is a plan view of the lower end of the drilling mechanism, with theparts disposed in the cutting position as shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 11 is a detail in section and elevation as seen substantially on the line 11 of Fig. 6, showing the stem valves for cl0sing the communication between the fluid pressure chambers in the head and stem.

Fig. 12 is a detail in section as seen on the line 12 of Fig. 7;, illustrating the exhaust drain.

More specifically 14.- indicates a tubular ste n which embodies a series of joined pipe sections 15 (as is common in well drilling machinery) and a tubular end section 16; the stem being adapted to be lowered into a bore and rotated in the usual manner, it being also connected to asuitable pump not shown by which water is delivered through the stem to the bore to maintain such flow of water as to carry off the detritus formed in the drilling operation. A peripheral flange 17 is formedadjacent the lower end of the stem portion 16 which flange is provided with a series of depressions or scallops 18 as shown in Figure 3., and projecting from the sides of the stem are longitudinal ribs 19 leading from the scallops 18 which ribs are formed with inclined or spiral teeth 20.

Formed interiorly of the stem is a pair of separate chambers 21 and 22 (shown in Figures 2 and 9) which chambers have ports 23 and 24- respectively which lead through the wall of the stem. Arranged to extend over the ports 23 and 24 is a slidable sleeve valve 25 having ports 26 and 27 adapted to be dis osed to register with the ports 23 and 24. isposed in recessess 28 in the outer face of the stem are springs 29 which bear between an end wall of the recess and a connection 30 on sleeve 25 to normally maintain the sleeve in its upper or port closing position. Connecting with the chamber 21 is a conduit 31 which leads upward through the stem and communicates with any suitable source of fluid pressure supply and serves as a means of conveying fluid under pressure to the lower end portion ofthe stem. Connecting with the chamber 22 is a conduit 32 which leads upward through the conduit 31 and serves as an exhaust for the fluid ressure after the same has been employed in operation of the cut ing tools as intake and exhaust of the fluid pressure and. v

1 are enclosed from liquid in the stem and the Fig. 'i" isa View in section as seen on the bore.

33 indicates a tool carrying head which is of general cylindrical tubular form and is adapted to be positioned to encompass the stem 15 and is so designed that it may be raised and lowered relative'to the stem; the head being provided at its upper end with a flange 34: adapted to be engaged by a suitable tool aflixed to a cable by which the head may be raised and lowered; the head engaging tool and its operating mechanism being of any well known construction in devices of this character and accordingly not necessary to be here shown.

The head is designed to be carried by and interconnected with'the lower end portion of which are adapted to extend into the scollops 18 of the flange 17 to form a splined connection between the stem and head whereby on rotation of the stem the head will turn therewith.

Carried by the head is a series of cutting tools 36 each of which embodies a suitable blade 37 mounted on a shank,38 and extending at right angles to the axis of the latter; the shank extending through a collar 35 into a recess in the lower portion ofthe head 33 and being reciprocally and turnably mounted. T he shanks extend parallel to the axis of the head and have their upper end portions splined 'in engagement with rings 39 formed with inclined teeth or projections 40 adapted to be engaged with the inclined teeth 20 on the stem whereby the shanks 38 carrying the blades 37 may be turned a partial revolution on moving the head in and out of its interconnected position on the stem. A spring ll surrounding the stem acts to maintain the latter in its uppermost position.

Within the head above each shank 38 is a fluid pressure operated mechanism of the type commonly employed in compressed air operated tools; this mechanism being here shown as embodying a piston 42 carried in a cylinder i3 and having a piston rod -14 adapted to impact on the end of the tool shank on reciprocation of the piston to impart a downward movement of the cutting tool in opposition to the spring 41.

Means are provided for affording a communication between the ports 2326 and 24-27 and the cylinder 43 when the head is disposed in its interconnect-ed position on the stem. This means embodies an intake passage 45 and an exhaust passage 46 which .open to the interior of the head through ports 26 and 27 in the sleeve valve 25.

ports 47 and 4-8 adapted to register with this suitable valve control mechanism is disposed in a recess 49 adjacent to each cyl1nden43 to cooperate with the piston 42 in eifectlng operation of the latter as is common in compressed air tool construction. 7

Means are provided for normally closing the ports 47 and 48 when the head is out of its interconnected position on the stem so as to'prevent ingress of water or liquid from I i the well into the air chambers of the fluid pressure operated mechanism. This means is here shown as embodying an internal sleeve valve 50 carried on the head 33; there being springs 51 disposed. in recesses in the head bearing between the end walls of the recesses and a connection 52 on the sleeve 50 I (as shown in Figure 11') to normally maintain the sleeve in its downward or port closing position; The sleeve 50 is arranged to align with the sleeve and is situated so that when the head islowered into its seated position on the stem the lower edge of the sleeve will abut against the upper hedge of sleeve, 25 and act to vdepress the flatter in opposition to the springs 29 and- T thereby open the communication between. the

air intake and exhaust chambers in the stem to the fluid pressure operated-mechanism 1n the head through the orts 23 and 24; there being a movement 0 sleeve 50 coincident with movement of the sleeve 29 to move the sleeve 50 from in frontof the ports 47 and Q8 and thereby open the latter.

Lhormd in the head 33 is a lubricant containing chamber (shown in Figure 9) communicating through a passage 56 with the chamber 57 into which the tool shank projects for the purpose of delivering a lubricating grease to the bearings otthe latter, and mounted inthe chamber 55 is a plunger 5'7 which is adapted to be forced against the lubricant by fluid pressure dethereby act to discharge grease .from the 1 connected position.

chamber 55 during the time the head is inter-.

"connected with the stem; the sleeve 50 servingto cut off the fluid pressure above the plunger when the head. is out ofits inter- Formed inthe head are chambers 62 (see Figure 12) which communicates with the exhaust passage 47 and are provided for the purpose of receiving and containing the water formed by the expansion of the exhausted compressed air, the chambers being fitted with removable, drainage of the chambers.

As a means for enabling the ready assemi1 blage and disassociation of the head and the parts carried thereby, the head is formed of a series of annular sections; there being an intermediate section A to which is secured by bolts 64 a bottom end section B; and a top end section C with an associated subjacent section D secured to the upper face-of the intermediate section A by bolts 65. The

plugs 63 to facilitate shanks of the tools are carried in the section B, and project into the section A with the toothed rings located in recesses formed between the sections A and B. The fluid pressure operated mechanism is located in the section D with the piston rods extending into the section A to engage the tool shanks through the'latter; and the intake and exhaustducts are formed in the sections C and The division lilies between the sec? tions A B, C, until) are located so that "when the sections are separated, ready access maybe had to the head. 7 in operation, the stem with the head enparts encased within thc gaged therewith is rotated in any desired manner, and the cutting tools are reciprocated by delivering compressed air from any suitable source and means of control through the intake conduit 31 to the tool operating mechanism, whereby the tools are .re iprocated as the head rotates so as to effect a cutting action and form a circular bore. During the cutting action of the tools they are dis extending su As here shown the tools are not of su'iiici'ent length to cut to the center ofthe bore 'their length being limited because of the necesosed with their cutting edges stantially radially of the head;

sity of the tools being disposed entirely within the plane of the boundary of the head when in their'incperative position, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 16. Ac-

cordingly. as a means for removing the core.

formed in the bore at, the inner ends of the on the end of the tubular stem, the cutter embodying a plate 67 which is secured tothe stem by bolts 68 and carries cutting elements of any desired design. The plate 67 is formed with openings 69 through which water may be delivered to the bore from the tubular stem adjacent the cutting elements of the core cutterand the tools. The water llO cutting tool, a suitable cutter 66 is mounted v iii) delivered to the bore serves the purpose of carrying away the materials removed bv the tool as is common tions. 4 1 The weight of the head maintains it in position .onthe stem, and-the latter is lowin well drilling opera ered as the cutting'tools efiect penetration.

It is to observed that the fluid pressure adapted to Y periphery for operating the tools is conveyed to and from the fluid pressure operated mechanism in separate conduits, being exhausted to the atmosphere through .conduit 32 which opens to the atmosphere above the Water in the stem, the exhaust air being thus enclosed oil from the water in the stem and bore, so that the pressure of the latter will not interfere with operation of the fluid pressure actuated mechanism.

When it becomes necessary to re-sharpen or replace the cuttingtools a suitable tool is lowered into the bore on a cable operated by any suitable mechanism which tool is so that on pulling the cable upward the head may be withdrawn from the bore without necessitating the removal of the stem and the air conduits. In a like manner, the head may be restored to its operative position by lowerlng it into the well to its seated position on the end flange of the stem. After the head has been re-positioned on the stem, the tools en aging the flange 34: may be released therei rom in any suitable manner and withdrawn from the bore.

The head on moving in and out of its inter-connection with the stem. the cutting tools are turned to and from their operative position; being disposed so as to extend within the space bounded by the plane of the of the head and the periphery of the stem when the head is out of its interconnected relation with the stem so that the head may be freely raised and lowered; the tools being turned to extend diametrically or radially of the head. to project below the end of the stem and also extend beyond the plane of the periphery of the head as shown in full lines in Figure 10, when the head is interconnected with the stem.

Stop pins are provided on the end of the head to limit the inward turning movement of the blades 67 so as to insure the teeth 40 being properly positioned to ride intoengagement with the teeth 20 on the, stem when the head is lowered. The collars 35 and scallops 18' serve as a means for guiding the teeth 40 into engagement with the teeth 20 as thehead cannot move to its seated position on the stem until the collars are positioned to enter the scallops and the teeth 40 can not engage the teeth :20 until the collars are positioned to enter thescallops. NVhile we have shown and described a specific embodiment of the invention we do not limit ourselves to the exact details-of construction disclosed but may employ such changes in the construction and arrahgenlent of the parts, and such modifications and equivalents, as come within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim I 1. In a boring mechanism of the charactor described a stem, a head slidable on engage the flange 34 on the head,

said stem, means for interconnectin the head and stem, fluid pressure operate cutting tools on said head, means for conveying air to and from the lower portion of said stem enclosed oif from liquid .in the bore, means for affording communication between said air conveying lneans and said head when the head and stem are interconnected, and means for closing the air conveying means when the head is disposed out of interconnection with the'stem adapted to automatically open the communication when the head and stem are moved into interconnection.

2. In a bore forming mechanism, a stem, a head slidable on said stem, means for interconnectin the head and stem, cutting tools on said head, fluid pressure operated mechanism in saidhead for actuating said tools, means for conveying air to and from the lower portion of said stem enclosed off from liquid in the bore, ports on the stem and head adapted to register and afford communication between said air conveying means and the fluid pressure operated mechanism when the head and stem are interconnected, means for automatically closing said ports when the head and stem are out of interconnection, and means operable on moving the head and stem into interconnection whereby said last named means will be actuated to open said ports.

3. In a bore forming mechanism, a stem, a head slidable on said stem, means for interconnecting the head and stem, cutting tools on said head, fluid pressure operated mechanism in said head for actuating said tools, means for conveying air'to and from the lower portion of said stem enclosed off from liquid in the bore, ports on the stem and head adapted to register and afiord communication between said air conveying means and the fluid pressure operated mechanism when the head and stem are interconnected, a valve carried by said stem for normally closing the ports therein, a valve carried by said head for normally closing the ports in the head, and means whereby said valves will be positioned to open said ports when the head and stem are moved into interconnection.

4. In a bore forming mechanism, a stem, a head slidable on said stem, means for interconnecting the head and stem, cutting tools on said head, fluid pressure operated slide valve carried by the head normally closing the ports therein; said slide valves being arranged in superposed relation and adapted to co-operate with each other to efl'ect opening of the ports on movlng the head and stem into interconnection.

5. In a well drilling mechanism, a stem,

register with the ports in the stem, and a.

slide valve on said head normally closing said ports; the valves on the stem and head being adapted to coact with each other on moving the head longitudinally of the stem in one direction to open said ports.

6. In a well drilling mechanism, avstem, a head slidable on said stem, means for interconnecting the head and stem on relative longitudinal movement thereof, a cutting tool turnabl mounted on said head normally disposed within the plane of the boundary of said head, means operable to turn said tool on movement of the head and stem into interconnection to position said tool substantially radially of said head whereby the outer portion of the tool will project beyond the plane of the boundary of said head, and means for actuating said tool by fluid pressure after it has been disposed in its radial position.

7. In a well drillingmechanism, the combination of a stem, a head surrounding said stem and adapted to be moved up and down thereon, means for interconnectin the head and stem, a series of reciprocal an turnable toolshanks ;carried by said head, cutting tools on said shanks, a toothed element having splined engagement with each of said shanks, means on said stem engageable with the toothed elements adapted to effect rota tion of the latter on relative. longitudinal movement of the stem and head whereby the tool shanks will be turned as the head and stem move in and out of interconnec tion and adapted to hold the shanks against turning when the head and stem are mterconnected, and means for reciprocating said shan ks;

8. In a well drilling1 mechanism, the combination of a stem, a ead surrounding said stem and adapted to be moved up and down thereon, means for interconnecting the head nism carried by and stem, a series of reciprocal and turnable tool shanks carried by said head, cutting tools on said shanks, a toothed element having splined engagement with each of said shanks, means-on said stem engageable with the toothed elements adapted to eflect rotation of the latter on relative longitudinal movement of the stem'and head whereby the tool shanks will be turned as the head and stem move in and out of interconnection and .adapted to hold the shanks against turning when the head and stem are interconnected,

spring means normally maintaining the shanks in their uppermost positions, and fluid. pressure operated mechanism for effecting movement of said shank in opposition to said spring means.

9. In a drillin mechanism, a stem, a corecut-ter on the en of said stem, a head slidable' on said stem, means .for interconnecting the head on said stem, a plurality of cutting blades carried by said head, means for turning said blades in and out of a cutting posi tion on moving said head in and out of connectlon with sald stem, means for dehvermg water through said stem to said blades and core cutter, pressure operated mechanism for actuating, said blades, and means for delivering air under pressure to said premu're operating mechanism through said stem apart from the water therein. 7

10. In a drilling mechanism, a stem, a head adapted to be mounted upon said stem formed of a series of superimposed detachably connected sections, a series of cutting tools mounted on the lower end section, an intermediate section to which the lower end section is attached, compressed air mechanism carried in a section adjacent to the in-' termediate section operating through the latter to actuate the drill mechanism, and an upper end section, and means for passing air through said upper end section from interiorally ofthe stem to efi'ectoperation of the, drill operating mechanism.

11. In a well drilling tool, a head comprising a series of superimposed detachably connected annular sections; there being an intermediate section, a bottom end section afiixed' to said intermediate section, a top section and an adjacent section secured to said intermediate section; a series of reciprocalcutting tools carried by-the bottom end section, fluid pressure operated mechatie topand its adjacent section for-actuating said tools through the intermediate section, and means for delivering compressed air to said mechanismthrough said top section.

/ JOSEPH R. WILSON. CASWELL C. MATLOGK.

RENI S. BERRY. 

